Freddie Mercury’s refusal to play a Queen song – Far Out Magazine

Freddie Mercury is often heralded as one of the greatest frontmen in rock history, and it’s easy to see why. With his unmatched vocal abilities, he was able to captivate audiences with ease. Whether he was harmonizing on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, delivering powerhouse performances on ‘Death on Two Legs’, or showcasing his melodic prowess on ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, Mercury’s range and versatility set him apart from other singers of his time.

Aside from his vocal talents, Mercury was also a skilled instrumentalist. While he downplayed his guitar abilities, preferring to joke that he “couldn’t play for nuts,” his true love was the piano. As a classically trained pianist, Mercury brought a sophisticated touch to Queen’s music, often incorporating grand piano lines into their songs. Despite his proficiency on the piano, Mercury was known to be a bit of a purist when it came to keyboards, preferring the sound of a grand piano over electric alternatives.

In a rare instance, Mercury refused to play a particular song on an electric piano. When bandmate John Deacon introduced a new track that required the use of a Wurlitzer electric piano, Mercury was adamant that he wouldn’t play it. He believed the sound was “tinny and horrible” and insisted that Deacon handle the instrument himself. Eventually, Deacon took the electric piano home to learn the song, emphasizing the importance of using the instrument the song was written on.

Despite his aversion to electric pianos, Mercury’s skills on the grand piano were undeniable. He often took charge of the keyboard line during live performances, showcasing his prowess on the instrument. However, as the band’s shows evolved in the 1980s, Mercury began to step away from the piano, preferring to engage with the audience and focus solely on his vocal performance.

One of the songs that Mercury notably played on the grand piano during live shows was ‘You’re My Best Friend’. However, the track was eventually dropped from the band’s setlists after the 1980 tour in support of The Game. It wasn’t until after Mercury’s passing that ‘You’re My Best Friend’ made a return to Queen’s repertoire.

In the end, Freddie Mercury’s impact on Queen’s music cannot be overstated. His incredible vocal range, instrumental skills, and stage presence solidified his status as one of the greatest musicians in rock history. Despite his reluctance to play certain instruments, Mercury’s dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to quality ensured that his legacy would live on for generations to come.